- Email: [email protected]
Fire ant sting anaphylaxis in Australia
Abstracts S75
SATURDAY
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL VOLUME 113, NUMBER 2
202
Fire Ant Sting Anaphylaxis in Australia
G. O. Solley1, C. Vanderwoude2; 1Watkins Medical Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA, 2Fire Ant Control Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA. RATIONALE: Fire ants have only recently been detected in Australia. METHODS: The case reports of 2 persons who have suffered anaphylaxis from fire ant stings, the first in Australia. RESULTS: Ant sting anaphylaxis in Australia is relatively common but had been restricted to stings from native ant species; eg of the Myrmecia sp. Colonies of Solenopsis invicta species [Red Imported Fire Ant-RIFA] were first detected in Brisbane in February 2001. Intensive measures were established to try to eradicate or at least control their spread. The 2 subjects of this report were both employed in the RIFA detection and eradication program. Subject 1. A male,47 years, had experienced at least 20 RIFA stings resulting in the expected local pustules. He then had 2 RIFA stings at the one time on his knee. Within 10 minutes he developed widespread pruritus followed by nasal congestion and acute chest tightness with dyspnea. The reaction subsided within 2 hours following IV saline and 200 mg hydrocortisone. Subsequent specific allergenic intradermal testing with the RIFA reagent proved positive and as a consequence he underwent a trial of desensitization with the whole body extract [WBERIFA]. He has since tolerated a RIFA sting. Subject 2. A male,49 years, had had “30” RIFA stings resulting in the usual local responses. Then within 5 minutes of 2 RIFA stings, he developed generalized urticaria, chest pains without dyspnea and nausea. He made a slow recovery without therapy over 2 days. Specific RIFA testing proved positive. He is undergoing desensitization with WBE-RIFA without any problems. He has not had any further stings. Funding: Self-funded
SATURDAY
J ALLERGY CLIN IMMUNOL VOLUME 113, NUMBER 2
202
Fire Ant Sting Anaphylaxis in Australia
G. O. Solley1, C. Vanderwoude2; 1Watkins Medical Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA, 2Fire Ant Control Centre, Brisbane, Queensland, AUSTRALIA. RATIONALE: Fire ants have only recently been detected in Australia. METHODS: The case reports of 2 persons who have suffered anaphylaxis from fire ant stings, the first in Australia. RESULTS: Ant sting anaphylaxis in Australia is relatively common but had been restricted to stings from native ant species; eg of the Myrmecia sp. Colonies of Solenopsis invicta species [Red Imported Fire Ant-RIFA] were first detected in Brisbane in February 2001. Intensive measures were established to try to eradicate or at least control their spread. The 2 subjects of this report were both employed in the RIFA detection and eradication program. Subject 1. A male,47 years, had experienced at least 20 RIFA stings resulting in the expected local pustules. He then had 2 RIFA stings at the one time on his knee. Within 10 minutes he developed widespread pruritus followed by nasal congestion and acute chest tightness with dyspnea. The reaction subsided within 2 hours following IV saline and 200 mg hydrocortisone. Subsequent specific allergenic intradermal testing with the RIFA reagent proved positive and as a consequence he underwent a trial of desensitization with the whole body extract [WBERIFA]. He has since tolerated a RIFA sting. Subject 2. A male,49 years, had had “30” RIFA stings resulting in the usual local responses. Then within 5 minutes of 2 RIFA stings, he developed generalized urticaria, chest pains without dyspnea and nausea. He made a slow recovery without therapy over 2 days. Specific RIFA testing proved positive. He is undergoing desensitization with WBE-RIFA without any problems. He has not had any further stings. Funding: Self-funded